Due to a lapse in appropriations, EPA websites will not be regularly updated. In the event of an environmental emergency imminently threatening the safety of human life or where necessary to protect certain property, the EPA website will be updated with appropriate information. Please note that all information on the EPA website may not be up to date, and transactions and inquiries submitted to the EPA website may not be processed or responded to until appropriations are enacted.

UST Performance Measures

Natural Disasters and Underground Storage Tanks

EPA has developed resources to help UST owners and operators prepare for, prevent, or lessen catastrophic effects and environmental harm from natural disasters. Read more about the resources.

Red Hill, Hawaii UST Facility

Together EPA, Hawaii Department of Health, the Navy, and Defense Logistics Agency are protecting human health and the environment by addressing a 2014 fuel release and improving the infrastructure to prevent future fuel releases at Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii. Read more about Red Hill’s story.

What's New

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

Approximately 553,000 underground storage tanks (USTs) nationwide store petroleum or hazardous substances. The greatest potential threat from a leaking UST is contamination of groundwater, the source of drinking water for nearly half of all Americans. EPA, states, and tribes work in partnership with industry to protect the environment and human health from potential releases.